Armenia busts international money laundering and drug trafficking network

Armenian law enforcement authorities have dismantled an international criminal network involved in drug trafficking and large-scale money laundering, according to reports from Armenian media cited by Caliber.Az.

The country’s Investigative Committee announced that 22 individuals have already been arrested in connection with the case, and separate legal proceedings have been initiated against them.

According to the investigation, from 2022 to 2025, the group funnelled approximately 4.5 billion drams — over $11 million — through the bank accounts of an Armenian citizen identified as A.G., along with her husband and father-in-law. To obscure the illegal origin of the funds, the money was converted into U.S. dollars through various banks and credit organisations.

Investigators said the funds were then divided among members of the network, who made near-daily border crossings (presumably into neighbouring Georgia - ed.) to deliver the money to drug trafficking associates abroad. This method allowed them to bypass customs declaration requirements and conceal international transfers.

Armenian authorities have launched separate proceedings against three Armenian nationals specifically for money laundering. Their bank accounts and other assets have been frozen as part of the legal process. The case has now been transferred to the prosecutor’s office for further action.

By Tamilla Hasanova